A NEW chief executive has been appointed to lead the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Nigel Pulling, 42, formerly the society's head of finance and commercial enterprises, takes up the post with immediate effect.

Announcing the appointment, chairman John Stoddart-Scott said: "Nigel joined the society a year ago and was immediately thrust into the fast lane with the illness and untimely death of the former chief executive, Robin Keigwin."

However, he said, Mr Pulling's previous experience as a finance director and company secretary proved invaluable and helped guide the society and provided leadership at a critical time.

"The pressures in agriculture continue and, as we re-launch the Great Yorkshire Show, Nigel will have a significant involvement in ensuring the continued success of the society and the show," said Mr Stoddart-Scott

"He brings to the post an understanding of the dynamics of agriculture, a concern for the countryside and farming, plus sound business acumen and experience."

Mr Pulling is from the North-East and is a graduate of Newcastle University. After qualifying as a chartered accountant, he spent nine years at Rop-ner in Darlington, where he became finance director and company secretary. He lives in Harrogate and he and his wife, Sharon, have two children.

He joined the society in March last year, just as foot-and-mouth disease was discovered. One of the casualties of the outbreak was the subsequent cancellation of the society's flagship event, the Great Yorkshire Show.

As well as helping to steer the society through those difficult months, he became the motivating force for the society's Farmers' Fund, established to channel much needed support to those suffering as a result of foot-and-mouth.

This year's Great Yorkshire Show runs from Tuesday to Thursday, July 9-11.